AN Ilkley solicitor who was a staunch defender of the countryside for more than 60 years has died aged 91.

Roland Wade CBE was born in Ilkley and went to Ghyll Royd School before moving on to Mill Hill in London and Trinity Hall, Cambridge, were he read law, graduating in 1928.

Returning to Ilkley after his studies he worked for the Leeds firm of Booth, Wade, Lomas, Walker & Co, where his father, William, was a partner. Roland Wade rose to become the senior partner before retiring in 1972.

He was the honorary secretary for the Leeds Law Society for seven years, then president in 1968. He became a JP in 1959 until he retired in 1976.

A keen pianist, Mr Wade was a founder member of Ilkley Concert Club and its chairman between 1953 and 1965.

Mr Wade's interest in country matters saw him involved in many conservation organisations.

He was a founder member of the Friends of the Lake District and held the position of honorary legal adviser for that organisation, as well as being chairman from 1970-1980.

He was also national chairman of the Council for the Protection of Rural England from 1978 to 1983.

His interest in the countryside was also reflected in his service to the Yorkshire Dales National Park (West Riding) planning committee and his membership of the Yorkshire Dales Society. In 1979 he was awarded the CBE for services to conservation.

Mr Wade was secretary of Ilkley Book Club for 50 years, surpassing his father William's achievement, who was secretary for 40 years. At his death Mr Wade was still president of the Book Club.

He is survived by his daughter Rydal. His wife Margie and his son Malcolm, also a solicitor, predeceased him.

Mr Wade loved walking and a family friend, David Runton, remembered how Mr Wade elected to climb Scafell Pike, England's highest peak, to celebrate his 80th birthday.

"He was a tremendously witty and kind man who had a lot of friends," said Mr Runton.

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